The group traveled across the barren wastes before coming across the temple that stood before them.
"Yep...this is it." Cobalt said.
"The first dungeon on our journey." Sir Saiyan said. "Now, we must be cautious. Who knows what dangers lie in wait inside-"
"You know, the longer you talk about it, the more likely someone else will beat us inside." Rainbow said.
"...a valid point." Sir Saiyan submitted.
They ventured inside the main halls where they saw a number of tapestries set up along the halls.
"Interesting...it seems to be a history of this land." Robin said.
"Whoa...this is freaky. Look at this one." Filo said, pointing to a tapestry that depicted the group in the hall.
"Well look at that." Pearl said. "It looks like our arrival was foretold."
"Wait...why does it look like the wall is exploding behind us?" Twilight asked before the wall actually exploded behind them as big shadows were shown in the smoke.
"Oh no…" Fluttershy said.
The menacing shadows then faded as a few figures stepped out.
"Man, those explosives pack a punch." Meowth said.
"Well maybe we should stop blowing apart each wall to get to the treasure." Pikachu said.
"Yeah...there's nothing wrong with following the path." Riolu said.
"Well point is, Team Ginhana Sky will get a strong rep by clearing this dungeon before anyone…" Meowth said before seeing the group. "Aw man, these jokesters."
"Well, this is a surprise." Hope said.
"Same on this end." Totodile said.
"What are you all even doing here?" Aelita asked.
"We got a request to explore these mysterious dungeons that have popped up all across the worlds." Riolu said. "So of course we took it."
"Funny, Mythos Hearts here also got a contract for it." Aya said. "Coincidence?"
"Eh, it's a Multiverse wide thing, so maybe." SE said. "Don't suppose you Ginhana Sky guys want to join us? The more the merrier, after all."
"Geez, you guys must be desperate if you think…" Meowth said before Pikachu and Riolu shut his mouth.
"We'll take it!" they said.
"Majority rule, Meowth. Sorry." Hope said. "It's just that Pikachu and Riolu are longtime friends with the Dimensional heroes original founders."
"That's right. Aelita, Luffy and Dan are only three of the five here that are members of Team Sky." Riolu said.
"C'mon, you wouldn't say no to Class 2-3, wouldja Meowth?" Pikachu asked.
"Uh...you know, I was part of that team too. And it's 2-5. They were very specific about that." Totodile said.
"Fine...we'll just charge these guys once this dungeon stuff is done." Meowth said.
"What was that?" Saki asked.
"I said you're going to give us money for helping you." Meowth said.
"We'll… cross that bridge when we come to it." Shirou said. "Let's move on."
"Good thing I don't have money." Ajna whispered to Shirou.
"I take multiple forms of payment." Meowth called out.
"Just let it go for now, tomcat." Emo said.
"I don't get the..oof!" Meowth said, tripping on a stone before they entered a chamber that quickly lit up brightly.
All around them, the chamber emblazoned architecture and artifacts that vaguely resembled those of Scottish origin. The tapestries depicted images of a large, burly stallion with a gamboge gold stripe mane and a pale light greyish cyan coat as a Valknut was seen on his right thigh.
"Whoa… I did not know Equestria had any ties to Scotland." Hope said.
"Well, Equestria is pretty varied in culture." Pearl said. "It makes sense that was the case in the past as well."
"Man, look at all these artifacts!" ZS said. "It's almost like we stepped back into the time of the Scots!"
"Uh, guys, I think we're missing the most obvious part of this place." Ethox said. "I think this chamber is supposed to memorialize that big stallion in the tapestries."
"Hmm… I wonder who that is anyway?" Kendo asked.
"Well maybe this stone tablet can explain." Miriam said as she approached it. "Rockhoof, the Pillar of Strength. His story begins in his village, at the base of a volcano-"
Just then, the tablet and tapestries started to glow, the room starting to shake as the light grew brighter.
"Oh, that's never a good sign-!" Eddy said before the lights flashed, blanketing the room in white. When the lights faded, the room was empty, the groups having disappeared.
"Ugh… can someone turn down the lights, I-" Undyne murmured before her mind caught up with her. "Wait, where the hell are we?"
The group found themselves on the edge of a Scottish village, at the base of a volcano… just like how Miriam narrated on the tablet.
"Don't tell me, we were just taken back in time." Hope said.
"I can do you one better, Hope." Mark said. "We were just taken back in time to where Rockhoof's story takes place. Must've been a spell on that tablet."
Everyone then heard a voice.
Brave heroes who have come to seek adventure and glory. Listen well, and observe now the legend of the great Rockhoof, Pillar of Strength.
"O-kay… phantasmal narrator speaking to us. Like this dungeon couldn't be any more story-driven." Kazuma said.
Long, long ago… Rockhoof began his life not as the pony revered in history today, but the son of a farmer, who dreamed of one day joining the ranks of his village's protectors: the Mighty Helm.
They were shown ponies in armor sparring with lances and axe throwing, and all around having a good time. Then the heroes all saw a young colt who looked similar to Rockhoof, but was skinny and way smaller.
"Wait, that's Rockhoof?!" G. Aqua asked in disbelief. "He's so small!"
"Yeah, that is weird. Not at all like the tapestry depicted." Peridot noted as the young Rockhoof walked over to where the axe was embedded into a target. He attempted to pick up the axe with his teeth, but struggled until he lost his grip and landed flat on his back.
However, the members of the Mighty Helm told the young colt that he was too weak to join their ranks.
It was shown that the Mighty Helm members laughed off Rockhoof's attempt, aforementioned his physique. One of the ponies handed him a shovel as they walked off in their hilarity, rockhoof despondent.
"What a bunch of jerks." Ajna said.
However, Rockhoof did not give up on his dreams, as he wasn't about to take no for a complete answer.
Rockhoof looked into the reflection of the shovel as he was determined to not give up.
"Sounds like somebody we all know." Hope said as everyone looked at Asta.
"I think that's something we can all agree on." Ace smiled.
"This shovel...that has to play a part in clearing the dungeon." Benimaru said.
Time passed, and the heroes observed Rockhoof digging some holes outside a pair of outhouses.
One faithful day, the volcano the village was built under…. suddenly erupted!
At that moment, everyone felt a huge rumble, and then, just like the voice told, the Volcano burst to life right before their eyes.
"Oh, that doesn't look good…." Zephyr said.
"Maybe we should panic that we're in a period of time where a VOLCANO Is about to destroy everything, including us?!" Kazuma asked.
"Calm down, we were just sent back here as observers. It's likely Rockhoof and the other villagers can't see or hear us." Tanya said.
"Yeah, we're not in danger." Ultra said. "But the village is."
Try as they might, the Mighty Helm were unable to think of a plan to save the village, leaving no other alternative but to evacuate. However, the villagers refused to leave, having nowhere else to go. And so, Rockhoof took his stand.
Determined, Rockhoof ran up to the edge of the volcano, shovel in mouth. He then started to dig.
He believed, if he could somehow divert the flow of the lava away from the Village, he could be able to save the place he called home. So, he began to dig a trench.
"A trench? And he's doing this all by himself?!" Glimmer asked. "It'd be impossible for just one person- er, pony, to do that and divert the flow of lava by themselves!"
"I guess Rockhoof didn't believe in the word impossible." Hope said. "And because of that, like Asta, he's got a very special kind of magic."
"Still...this continues to get more and more strange." Yaoyorozu said.
The heroes kept observing as Rockhoof continued to dig.
The young colt continued his work, despite the overwhelming odds, but determined to save his home. And then, at that very moment…. Something incredible happened.
Rockhoof then struck something with his shovel, making some sort of energy surge through his shovel and into his body. In a mere instant, he transformed from his weaker self, into the stallion seen in the tapestry.
Rockhoof became physically stronger. With the lava coming ever closer to him, Rockhoof immediately put his newfound power to use.
Rockhoof, without thinking, rapidly tunneled out the trench as the lava flowed through it and into the sea. When the steam cleared, the villagers celebrated him as a hero, and even though the Mighty Helm were shocked at what happened, they too were happy for his achievement in saving the village.
"And thus the village was saved by a trench and its digger." Totodile said.
"Hmm? I think that is…" Tungar said seeing the trusted shovel as he picked it up. At that moment, the group suddenly reappeared in the room they were in previously.
"We're back!" Sakura said.
"Look! Tungar, you still have Rockhoof's shovel!" Leanne noticed as Rockhoof's shovel was still in his hands.
"It appears I do, lass. Then this would make it one of the artifacts of this dungeon." Tungar said.
"Whoa...look at that door." Luffy said, seeing a large door with six different inputs.
"I see so…" Tungar said, putting the shovel in its slot as it locked in.
"I see...so that's it. We need to gather all six treasures to enter the final room." Benimaru said.
"Well, we got one. Just five more to go, then." Frisk said. "But where are we going to find the next-?"
Just then, one of the walls had a part slide open, revealing a doorway.
"Guess we go through?" Kaibara asked as they went through the doorway.
The room through the doorway was different from the last one. This time, it was decorated in Chinese- esque fashion, adorned with flowers and many symbols of architecture. The tapestries in this room depicted an eldery female unicorn with lightish purple skin and slightly white hooves. Her mane and tail were green as it seemed to flow in the wind. Her mark was a sort of misty fog.
"First Scotland and now China?" Mahiru asked.
"You were right, Pearl, Equestria's past was as culturally diverse as the present." Steven remarked.
"Anyone know who the old unicorn is?" DJ asked.
"I dunno, but she looks outta place in here. This room is full of beautiful stuff, and well…" Hiyoko said.
"Don't you know the phrase 'True Beauty lies within?'" Bloodless asked.
"Some people just don't know how to respect their elders." Gimilor said, taking a swig of his brew. "Now, let's see who this is, shall we?" he walked up to the stone tablet.
"Careful, gramps." Seiya said. "If this is anything like the last tablet, it's gonna transport us the moment someone reads the writing."
"I think that's the whole point, Seiya." Legoilia said.
Gimilor inspected the tablet. "Hmm… it says here, her name is Mistmane. And believe it or not, she actually used to be a more beautiful mare."
Just like before, the room flashed, and everyone soon came to their senses as they appeared in a Chinese-like village. The voice then spoke again.
Listen close, and observe well, the Legend of Mistmane, Pillar of Beauty.
In times of old, Mistmane was revered as a promising young sorceress.
They looked upon the village to see a younger version of Mistmane, who was being seen off by all the other townsfolk. Gimilor wasn't lying about Mistmane being beautiful, as her younger form was absolutely stunning.
"Oh my god…" Bow said. "She's gorgeous!"
"It would never work between you two." Sanji said.
"What, you think she'd be interested in you?" Bow asked.
"Excuse me?" Glimmer asked, glaring at Bow.
"I mean… nevermind!" Bow stuttered.
"That's what I thought." Glimmer nodded. "Now quiet down, we need to hear the rest of this."
Talented as she was beautiful and kind, all who lived with her in the village adored her, and missed her when she left for the finest Magic school in the land.
While she was away, she had heard to her delight that her best friend, Sable Spirit, had been crowned empress. She was eager to see her friend when she returned from her studies.
It was then shown that Mistmane returned to her village, but it wasn't the same as when she left. She came back to see it had been completely stripped of everything that made it beautiful.
"Well, that was a quick change of scenery." Emo said. "What happened here?"
"Now, this just might be me grasping at straws, but I'm gonna say it has something to do with this Sable Spirit." Amethyst answered.
MIstmane learned upon her return that Sable Spirit took anything deemed beautiful away from the ponies of the village. She also forced them to work on her palace day and night without having them take care of anything else. Mistmane could not believe her friend would do such a thing, but there was no denying what she saw right in front of her. So she went to confront sable spirit inside her own palace.
The group followed mistmane into Sable Spirits palace as she confronted a unicorn in black shrouded with a veil.
"Sable, is that you?" mistmane asked.
"Don't tell me you don't recognize your old friend." Sable replied.
"I don't. My friend would never work our families and friends to the bone for something as silly as a palace." the unicorn pointed out.
"Silly? My palace is a beacon of beauty! Anypony who passes will be in awe of its majesty!" Sable declared.
"What good is a pretty palace if it just hides the misery of its ponies?" Mistmane asked.
"Beauty is everything. You taught me that." Sable said.
"What?!" Mistmane asked.
"You were always the pretty one. You got to go to the best magic school. Everypony missed you. Everypony loved you!" Sable chided. "I admit I was jealous, so I tried to perform a spell that would make me beautiful. You can see how that went!" She then pulled back her veil to reveal her face, which was withered and decrepit.
"Wah!" some of the guys said in shock.
"So that's why she's taking everything beautiful." Ultra said. "She's compensating."
"I vowed if I couldn't have beauty, I would take it. I wasn't chosen to be empress, you know. I took it! Just like I'm going to take everything else." Sable said.
"I can't let you do that." Mistmane said, standing up to her friend.
"Let me?" Sable Spirit laughed before blasting magic from her horn at the ground, entrapping Mistmane in brambles. But she didn't stay that way for long as she broke free of her prison easily.
"Oh, snap! Catfight!" Scorpia called.
In a rage, Sable used her magic and manifested a red dragon purley made of magical energy, which lashed out and attacked Mistmane. The unicorn summoned her own dragon spirit, as the two dragons clashed in splashes of fire and water. Mistmane maneuvered using calm and focus, and defeated Sable's dragon before it lashed at the empress herself. It hit a vase, seemingly missing, but roots then grew out of the vase, entrapping Sable Spirit as she was unable to escape her prison.
"Okay… that was awesome!" Ibuki said.
"Indeed. She's quite skilled." Hakurou said.
With Sable Spirit trapped, the villagers thought everything was over. However, Mistmane knew there was more to be done.
Mistmane then used her magic to pull in a flower, and carried it back to the village, before planting it in the soil. Then, she started channeling her magic into it.
Though beauty isn't everything, Mistmane knew it possessed the power to make ponies smile. And so, she sacrificed her own beauty to bring beauty back to not only her village, but to Sable Spirit as well.
Before the eyes of the group, Mistmane started to age until she was like she was portrayed in the tapestries. Around her, flowers grew up until the village was back the way it was before Sable became empress. Back in the palace, the roots trapping Sable Spirit opened up, revealing the unicorn, now younger in appearance.
"Shaving away her own lifespan to bring back beauty to her village and her close friend? Now I get it! Mistmane laid the foundation for the element of Generosity!" Kendo said.
Sable Spirit was so touched by Mistmane's sacrifice, that she vowed from then on to be more like her friend in the ways that mattered, becoming a kind and compassionate Empress.
Though she gave up her physical beauty, she dedicated her life to spreading beauty all over Equestria. Any time you go out of your way to brighten someone's day, you are following in Mistmane's steps.
Sonia then looked at the flower that Mistmane used to restore her village. She then grabbed it as everyone returned back to the room that they started in, Sonia holding Mistmane's flower.
"I dont think I've ever heard a story about such selflessness in my entire life." Hope said.
Sonia approached the door and put the flower in.
"Two down, four to go." Theo said.